Shaun the Sheep sequel proves lightning can strike twice

While the very young will easily relate to the fresh mischief afoot at Mossy Bottom Farm, adults tagging along will have a great time with the sci-fi references and in-jokes that come and go at blinding speed throughout.

Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon.

Almost five years ago now, clay-mation specialists Aardman Studios took a gambol on a young, woolly talent looking to star in his first feature film.

Shaun the Sheep had got his start as a bit-part player in the Wallace and Gromit ensemble, before finding some success in his own right on television.

However, Shaun and his entourage from out Mossy Bottom Farm way had never stuck around for anything beyond ten minutes induration.

Surely a movie-length presentation would find them all out? Especially bearing in mind that no-one in the Shaun the Sheep universe is ever heard to speak an intelligible word?

Shaun and his entourage prove to be just as fun second time around.

Well, 2015’s Shaun the Sheep Movie triumphantly silenced the doubters in brilliant fashion, proving that great storytelling and true creative inspiration can never be denied.

So if you find yourself thinking that lightning cannot possibly strike twice for the sequel A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, stop right there.

This new, sci-fi-inspired adventure for Shaun and company is even better than the first one.

The story begins when Shaun notices that a sizeable percentage of the pizza he and his posse are ordering online is disappearing without trace.

The perpetrator turns out to be a visiting alien being, Lu-La. Her ship has ditched itself on the farmlands of Britain at the worst possible time, especially now her presence has attracted the attention of a UK agency hellbent on capturing its first UFO.

There’s plenty for adults too in Shaun’s sequel.

Naturally, it is up to Shaun and his barnyard battalion to come to Lu-La’s aid, not only keeping the government spooks at bay, but also finding a way to have her return home safely.

The beauty of Farmageddon as a film is its simple straightforward efficiency when it comes to entertaining viewers of all ages.

While the very young will easily relate to the story and laugh profusely at the fresh mischief afoot at Mossy Bottom Farm, adults tagging along for the experience will have a great time processing all the sci-fi references and in-jokes that come and go at blinding speed throughout.

A SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE: FARMAGEDDON (G)

Directors: Will Becher, Richard Phelan

Starring: the voices of Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Amalia Vitale.

Rating: ****

One giant leap for lambkind

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